SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Springfield Police are taking time to brag a little.

Crime is down, according to a news release Friday afternoon from city police. 2026 year to date reported crimes are down four percent. For the twelve months ending Aug. 31 of this year, reported violent crime is down 21 percent. Reported property crime is down about seventeen percent, on top of a thirteen percent reduction in property crime the year before. For 2026 year to date, total reported crime is down four percent.

“Some programs that have a meaningful impact on crime reduction include the Real Time Information Center, public safety platforms offering real-time intelligence such as FUSUS, LPR cameras, ShotSpotter, as well as drone capabilities,” SPD Deputy Chief Jarod Maddox said in the news release. “The Springfield Police Department’s most valuable asset is our officers and civilian staff that work every day to prevent and solve crimes. All the divisions of the department work together each day with the shared goal of preventing crime from occurring and holding those accountable who choose to commit crimes.

“Patrol officers working a beat, Pro-Active Crime Unit officers investigating drug crimes, Street Crimes  Unit officers investigating firearms and gang crimes, Crime Scene Services detectives supplementing major investigations, Neighborhood Police Officers aiding in geographic-specific concerns or crimes, and Criminal Investigations detectives investigating both violent and property crimes all work hand in hand to make the city a safer place to live.

“The Springfield Police Department also partners with our law enforcement partners and in some cases assigns Task Force officers to expand our resources and further our mission. Some of these partnerships include those with the ATF, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, DEA, Illinois State Police, U.S. Marshals, Sangamon County States Attorney’s Office, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Attorney General’s office. Our personnel and partnerships have shown to reduce crime reports and seek justice for victims of crimes.

“The Springfield Police Department will continue to constantly evaluate our methods and approach to reducing crimes, keeping public safety and the prosperity of our community our top priority.”